BLUE GROSBEAK (MALE)

Taken at Tillie Creek Campground. The derive their name (Gross Beak, Black-Headed, Rose Breasted etc.) from the large (gross) size of their beak. Unlike other passerine, seed-eaters, this species will feed on lager seeds, cracking them open. In my yard, they particularly like the sunflower seeds, which the other birds have a hard time eating.

Lazuli Bunting (Male)

Blue Grosbeak (2)

LAZULI BUNTING

Taken off Fay Ranch Rd. This is a migratory bird; it stays from spring to mid-summer. This is a male. As can be obsereved it is a small bird. The plant is a sunflower plant ( note the but to the right of the bird for size comparison). One of the prettier migratory visitors.

Blue Grosbeak (Male)

Went on a day trip to So. Fork of Kern, near the Preserve. On Fay Ranch Rd. I stopped to call in some Blue Grosbeaks. The Blue Grosbeak is in the same Genus as the Black-Headed Grosbeak ( I've posted several images of it), but only visits the Kern Valley during Spring and Summer. This is a male. Blue Grosbeaks are generally shy. I use a recorded play back to call the bird in. This bird posed nicely for me.

Osprey ( incopula )

As of this posting this nest site has failed. The pair tried several times to establish the nidus, but winds continually blew there efforts to the ground. This mating behavior goes on for the duration of the nest building, and it may be repeated several times a day. Osprey are often difficult to differentiate as to gender. However, note that the female has a distinctive brown "necklace" just below the throat area. The male lacks this feature.

Ash-Throated Flycatcher ( Male )

There are a pair of these using one of the nesting boxes I've set up. The female ( unlike the Western Bluebird) stays on the nest, and does not leave the box. The male supplies all of the females needs during the nesting period. This is a migratory bird, so after May - July they will depart for regions to the south.

Osprey

Western Bluebird (Male)

The male and female are working feverishly to keep 5 babies supplied with food. In 7-9 days the babies will fledge. Note how worn the feathers are in this bird. The crown of his head has small bits of pollen, and spider web on it. The male was especially diligent about bringing spiders, the female mostly crane flies, and grubs. The male would simply fly right through the spider's web to catch them.